As a long-time member of the Maldwyn Leisure Centre, Newtown I am becoming very concerned about its viability while large areas are still being used as a vaccination centre.

I praise the work done by the medical teams and volunteers during the epic rush to get the local population double jabbed but I’m sure they do not need to take up the same space now.

The number of members using the gym in the mornings has dwindled from 10 or 12 down to 2 or 3, and several mornings I’ve been on my own.

I believe other activities on the “dry side” have seen a similar drop.Some members have moved elsewhere.

The problem is the medical team have taken over the changing rooms, showers and toilets, denying these vital facilities to the paying public.

These are essential, particularly to those exercising before going to work.

Currently users must walk out and around the building to the pool changing rooms to shower, change or use the toilet, not nice in the cold and wet.

We’ve been told to use the portable toilets outside but these are in a disgusting state.

While Powys County Council is probably doing well by sub-letting these facilities to the Health Board I’m sure they could now downsize the operation or perhaps, move to one of the empty buildings in the town centre which would be much more convenient to those without their own transport.

The leisure centre staff are working hard in difficult circumstances and have initiated several promotional offers but the public will not return without the vital changing rooms, showers and toilets.

I’m told exercise and keeping fit is a great preventative against all illness including Covid 19 but I am worried about the Maldwyn’s future.

As with all public amenities, we “use them or lose them”.

John Jenkins, Garthmyl, Montgomery.